Tel Aviv, Israel

In an explosive message to new Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem, Israel’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant Wednesday (Oct 30) warned his appointment was “temporary” and not “for long.”

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Gallant also posted a photo of the new leader, who was appointed on October 29 following the death of Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike on September 27.

The Israeli government also suggested that Qassem’s tenure may be brief, saying, “His tenure in this position may be the shortest in the history of this terrorist organisation if he follows in the footsteps of his predecessors.”

The government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that the only possible solution to the Lebanon conflict was the elimination of the Hezbollah organisation. "There is no solution in Lebanon except to dismantle this organisation," it declared.

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Who is Naim Qassem?

It was in 1991 when Qassem was appointed the deputy chief of the Lebanon-based militant group by then-secretary General Abbas al-Musawi. However, al-Musawi was taken down by Israel the very next year, in 1992.

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Later, when Hassan Nasrallah became the chief, Qassem continued as the group’s deputy chief. He was the first Hezbollah leader to make a televised address following Nasrallah’s killing. He is also considered as the group’s official spokesperson, who often appears in interviews with foreign media.

Hamas says it’s open to peace

Meanwhile, Gaza-based Palestinian militant group Hamas said Tuesday it was open to any agreements or ideas for establishing a permanent ceasefire.

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Sami Abu Zuhri, a senior Hamas official, said that the group was in support of ending the suffering of the people in Gaza and establishing a permanent ceasefire.

However, Zuhri warned that such a peace deal or agreement must involve the complete withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) from Gaza, the lifting of the blockade on the territory and the provision of humanitarian aid and relief material as well as reconstruction.

(With inputs from agencies)